Plans to spend £90,000 issuing laptop computers to Colchester councillors were yesterday branded a waste of taxpayers' money.

Labour councillor Derrick Fairbrother, said the money could be better spent improving life for ordinary residents.

All three main political parties have agreed the principle of issuing a laptop and printer, costing £1,500, to all 60 councillors in a bid to speed up communication.

But Mr Fairbrother, a councillor for St Anne's ward, will refuse to use his if they are handed out later this year.

He said the money would be better spent modernising council housing stock or bringing down the price of pensioners' bus passes.

Mr Fairbrother added: "I accept we need to modernise local government, but does Colchester Council need to go to the huge expense of issuing to all 60 councillors laptop computers and printers with associated running costs?

"I represent a ward which has suffered more than most from underfunding. I am told there is no money available to improve quality of life for St Anne's people, yet there is money to fund this equipment."

Councillors have yet to decide if funds should be allocated for the new technology. The matter will be considered next month.

The idea is to reduce paperwork and give councillors easy access to information and decisions on-line when the new cabinet-style council starts this year.

Policy and resources chairman Colin Sykes, Liberal Democrat leader, said the money could not be used on housing stock because it was from a different fund.

He said Mr Fairbrother's comments did not take into account progress and savings which could be made. Labour leader Tim Young said modern communication equipment was necessary for councillors.

He argued the council should be able to fund the equipment - as well as give residents services they required.

Conservative group leader Nigel Chapman said: "It is a lot of money but we have got to tackle these things, particularly when the new structure of council comes in and a lot of decisions will have to be communicated to the councillors."

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